All articles by James McAllister – Page 5
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News‘Precious little breathing space’ for hospitality businesses as insolvency numbers jump 10% in Q2
The latest Buchler Phillips Hospitality Index shows the number of monthly hospitality insolvencies has remained consistently over 260 so far this year
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NewsIRO Sushi to expand into Scotland
The QSR chain has secured its first Scottish outpost in Glasgow and is targeting up to 20 locations across the country amid wider plans to reach 100 sites by 2030
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News‘Resilience’ of Esquires brand delivers ‘another period of positive trading’ for Cooks Coffee
Against a backdrop of unusually hot weather, the group saw systemwide store sales in the UK and Ireland increase 14% in the three months to 30 June
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NewsCarlsberg reports ‘solid top-line development and earnings growth’
The Danish brewer says it is narrowing full-year earnings guidance towards the upper end of the range amid disciplined cost focus, performance management and faster-than-expected delivery of the Britvic synergies
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NewsLittle Caesars quietly shutters remaining UK site
The US pizza chain, which previously described the UK as a key market for expansion, has closed its restaurant in London’s Greenford, alongside Nottingham and Derby, leaving its future on these shores in doubt
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Analysis & InsightFoodservice inflation continues in July as drought concerns mount
The latest Foodservice Price Index from NIQ and Prestige Purchasing reveals that growing concern over the impact of prolonged heatwaves is creating uncertainty for buyers in key food categories
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NewsGovernment warned greater financial support needed for pub planning protections to have impact
Industry voices have welcomed proposed changes to the national planning system, but said the protections will not prevent pubs from shutting if further financial support is not also forthcoming
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InterviewsMarket Halls: ‘We’ve moved away from the transactional relationship and into the emotional’
Following a ‘landmark’ year, the food hall operator is looking to take advantage of consolidation in the market to grow its estate while also evolving the concept and guest experience
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Analysis & InsightSecret sauce: How demand for dipping is transforming QSR innovation
Once just an accompaniment to your fries, sauces are now developing a main character energy amid a growing influence from contemporary US chains and greater demand for customisation from diners
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NewsGreg Thorp and Tom Springett to lead Itsu as joint MDs
The pair have taken over the running of the Asian-inspired food-to-go chain’s restaurant business, with CEO Clive Schlee moving back into a director’s role on the board
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NewsBlend Family set for stock market listing
The independent food hall business is reportedly working with bankers at Cavendish on a listing to take place in the next 12 months
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NewsWestminster Council hit with criticism as it looks to stop vertical drinking
London mayor Sadiq Khan and NTIA chair Sacha Lord are among those to come out and condemn Westminster Council for having ‘anti-growth policies’
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NewsBain Capital to acquire Gong Cha
The private equity firm says it will work closely with Gong Cha’s highly experienced management team to support the Taiwanese tea brand’s next phase of growth
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InterviewsMcDonald’s UK&I CEO: ‘We’ve continued to strengthen customer connection and drive growth
Following publication of the global group’s Q2 results, Lauren Schultz tells MCA that a combination of menu innovation and culturally relevant campaigns has carried momentum into the second quarter
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InterviewsPoolhouse can work in ‘many towns and cities' in UK
CEO and co-founder Andrew O’Brien tells MCA initial reaction to the tech-led pool group’s debut London site has been ‘amazing’ with strong repeat business and opportunities to evolve the concept
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NewsTime Out Market to finally make UK debut
The Crown Estate has announced Time Out Market London will open at 55 Regent Street, part of its 10 Piccadilly development in the heart of the West End, in 2028
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NewsButcombe Group: ‘Major investments in the estate are driving growth’
The premium pub group has reported ‘strong’ half year results for 2026 with like-for-likes across its managed pub division up 5.2%
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NewsPoke House appoints UK operations manager
Former international franchise manager for Pret, Nikolas Kompothekras Kotsoros, joins the Italian poke chain to oversee its 11-strong London estate
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NewsThe Coconut Tree returns to expansion
The Sri Lankan restaurant group, which was sold out of administration last year to two members of the founding team, will open a new restaurant in central Bristol this month
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NewsThe Fat Duck owner grows turnover and narrows losses
The parent company of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck restaurant in Berkshire saw its post-tax losses fall by nearly 20% in FY25